"Samois2001" > wrote in message
...
I live in downtown Chicago and we are seeing the price increases on
top of what have always been inflated prices. Any brand loyalty that I
had has gone out the window in favor of what is on sale or cheapest
and in some cases I’m going with store brands. I wasn’t raised in a
household where cooking as given high priority but I do remember as a
kid my mom saying the store brand of canned green beans was inferior
to the Del Monte. When I asked why I remember she said there might be
screws or misc. parts from where it was canned. Given the contents of
the can were just going to get nuked and served anyway I couldn’t
imagine I wanted anything less edible and so have always had an
aversion to store brands, especially canned. I was wondering what your
opinions of store brands are, canned or otherwise? I’ve been going
with the store brand pasta and cream cheese among others with no
problems. Sometimes I simply find the packaging off-putting which is I
realize is just silly. Thanks in advance for any opinions.

Cindy

IMHO store brands are a hit and miss proposition. Some generics are as good
as the national brands some are inferior. As example I have never found a
store brand as good as Kraft Macaroni & Cheese but that is my taste.
However if you walk into a store it will cost you over $1.00 per box maybe
more. A multi pack at Costco or Sam's Club will be 20% or 30% less.

Just because it is the store brand does not mean it is less expensive than
the national brand. You need to know what is the price range for any and
all item you use regularly. Then watch the sales and if it's a good price
buy more than the usual amount. In the long run you'll save money.

Pay attention to the unit pricing on the store price tag. Generally there
will be a cost per unit or ounce.

There are no shortcuts to doing your homework.

Dimitri